The professional knows that the next step is the only one that matters.
Of course business plans matter, and knowing the long term goal is essential.
Focusing too far in the future, though, can keep you from taking action and have you stuck in perfectionism. The truth is, you don’t have to know every step to start moving.
The next step is the one you are always in, so training yourself to focus on the very next step will help things move along with velocity.
I once heard someone say that the amateur thinks they need to know every step to begin. The professional will take the very next action and know that the rest will come. The professional also knows that sometimes the next step is essential to allow what is next to unfold. Sometimes clarity only comes after taking the next step!
If you are currently stuck, slow down and tune in to what you are creating and what you desire. Ask yourself, what is the very next step?
It may be as simple as making a phone call, looking something up online, or it could be building a website or launching your new offering. If it is something more complex like building a website, ask yourself again what the very next step is for the website. It may be brainstorming an outline of everything that will be included on the website, or asking a friend who they recommend to build out your website.
It can always come down to one very next step. Do that, and then ask yourself once again what the very next step is!
You will slowly, but surely see momentum beginning and your perfectionism or procrastination will be eliminated.
The most common blocks in taking just the next step:
In summary, all progress happens by putting one foot in front of the other. The very next step is all it takes, and the very next step may be all you know right now. Trust that the path will continue revealing itself to you, but don’t expect it to come before you have taken the next action at hand.
What is your very next step?
